Proceedings of the “Green Technology and Environmental Conservation”(GTEC2011) Organized by Sathyabama University in association with

International Solid Waste Association (ISWA),Vienna, National Solid Waste Association of India (NSWAI), Mumbai, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control
Board (TNPCB),Chennai,15-17 December,2011.

Assessment of Environmetal Impacts for Textile

Dyeing Industries in Bangladesh
Md. Montasir Islam, Kashif Mahmud, Omer Faruk and Solaiman Billah
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Islamic University of Technology (IUT)
Gazipur - 1704, Bangladesh
rusho@iut-dhaka.edu, rusho_mahmud@yahoo.com

Abstract—The textile dyeing and washing industry plays an
important role in the economical growth as well as the
environmental sectors of Bangladesh, contributes significantly to
the textile and clothing export trade. But the textile dyeing
industries has been condemned as being one of the world’s most
offenders in terms of pollution. Bangladesh has now become a
significant supplier of Readymade Garments to both North
America and Europe. More than 50% of Bangladeshi garment
exports go to European Union and 44% to the USA. There are
many dyeing industries in our country which are mainly located
at Gazipur and Narayanganj industrial area. This study was
aimed at the dyeing industries in Bangladesh to assess the present
situation of environmental impacts arises from such activities and
propose several mitigation measures. This was done by analyzing
numerous data obtained from different laboratory test
concerning a range of water quality parameters of Bangladesh.
Important water quality parameters like pH, turbidity, TSS
(total suspended solids), BOD, COD and presence of metals like
copper, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, etc. were measured by
testing samples. The samples were collected from effluent water
of a renowned and international buyer (like GAP, PUMA, and
LEVI’s) recognized industry named UNIQUE Washing and
Dyeing industry Limited at Gazipur, Dhaka. The results show
that all the water quality parameters are within the permissible
limits. Though the water test report shows no vulnerable change
in water quality for this particular industry, but the overall EIA
report shows the highest negative impact on physico-ecological
environment. The human interest related factors make the total
EIV positive.
Keywords-EIA; environmental impact; mitigation measures;
pollution; textile dyeing industry.
I. INTRODUCTION
Bangladesh has emerged, in just under decade, as the
twelfth largest garment-manufacturing nation in the world,
thanks largely to the Multi-Fiber Agreement (MFA), and the
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) of the European
Union, that conferred significant quota benefits to the country.
The garment sector now accounts for about 77% of the
country‟s foreign exchange earnings, and 50% of its industrial
work force [1]. Textile is the most important sector of
Bangladesh‟s economy. Textile industry uses large quantity of
water in its production processes and highly polluted and toxic
waste waters are discharged into sewers and drains without
any kind of treatment. The textile dyeing industries of Gazipur
and Narayanganj generate a large amount of effluents, sewage
sludge and solid waste materials everyday which are being
directly discharged into the surrounding channel, agricultural
fields, irrigation channels, surface water and finally enter in to
Turag and Shitalakkhya River. Textile and dyeing industrial
effluents offer the alteration of physical, chemical, and
biological properties of aquatic environment by counting
change in temperature, odor, noise, turbidity, and to the
original properties that is harmful to public health, livestock,
wildlife, fish, and other biodiversity. The presence of dyes in
surface and subsurface water makes them not only
aesthetically objectionable but causes many water borne
diseases, viz. nausea, hemorrhage, ulceration of skin and
mucous membrane, dermatitis, perforation of nasal septum
and severe irritation of respiratory tract. Contamination to this
aquatic system brings serious threat to the overall epidemic
and socio-economic pattern inside. Industrial effluents impart
a minor fraction of chemical load to the environment; its
integrity renders the environmental quality fairly deplorable.
For this, a large number of villages at Gazipur and D.N.D
Embankment are now being threatened by the environmental
degradation. People who live surrounding area of Gazipur and
D.N.D. Embankment utilizing surface water for their house
hold washing, bathing, irrigation, fish culture and other
necessary works. Further no systemic data was found about
the water quality of these areas. So, proper analysis is needed
to assess the pollution level also for the protection of
environment and natural resources. Such information is
important for the authorities to take proper action in
preventing pollution of the area for the good health of the
population. Therefore in the present study we tried to
determine the extent of pollution level of various
physicochemical parameters and heavy metals in order to
characterize the effluents of the textile dyeing industries [2].
Besides we also did the environmental impact assessment in
the surroundings of Gazipur area on the basis of relevant
environmental parameters and made an EIA report based on it.

978-1-4673-0176-3/11/$26.00 @2011 IEEE 236

IEEE
 Proceedings of the “Green Technology and Environmental Conservation”(GTEC2011) Organized by Sathyabama University in association with
International Solid Waste Association (ISWA),Vienna, National Solid Waste Association of India (NSWAI), Mumbai, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control
Board (TNPCB),Chennai,15-17 December,2011.
II. RESEARCH PROCEDURE
The research procedure was conducted by a series of
following tasks:
1. Discussing the definition of dye and its classification
to find out the chemical components used in dyeing
industries.
2. Visiting a renowned and international buyer (puma,
GAP, Levi‟s) recognized dyeing industry.
3. Understanding the operational activities of a dyeing
industry and its compliance with the environment
along with the process flow diagram of the ETP used
there.
4. Collecting the samples from both effluent and
underground water and analyzing the laboratory
experimental data.
5. Preparation of EIA report from the interviews of
relevant workers and local people.
A. Defination of dye and its classification
A dye can generally be described as a colored substance
that has an affinity to the substrate to which it is being applied.
The dye is usually used as an aqueous solution and may
require a mordant to improve the fastness of the dye on the
fiber. The dyes were obtained from animal, vegetable or
mineral origin with no or very little processing.
Archaeological evidence shows that, particularly in India and
the Middle East, dyeing has been carried out for over 5000
years. Fig. 1 shows different types of dye used in Unique
washing and dyeing industry Ltd. in Bangladesh. Brief
descriptions of the classification of dyes are given below:
1) Acid dye: Water soluble anionic dyes that are applied to
fibres such as silk, wool, nylon and modified acrylic fibres
from neutral to acid dye baths. Attachment to the fibre is
attributed, at least partly, to salt formation between anionic
groups in the dyes and cationic groups in the fibre. Acid dyes
are not substantive.
Fig.1 Different type of dyes used in dyeing industries
237
2) Basic dye: Water soluble cationic dyes that are mainly
applied to acrylic fibres but find some use for wool and silk.
Usually acetic acid is added to the dye bath to help the take up
of the dye onto the fibre. Basic dyes are also used in the
coloration of paper.
3) Mordant dye: As the name suggests these dyes require
a mordant. This improves the fastness of the dye on the fibre
such as water, light and perspiration fastness. The choice of
mordant is very important as different mordents can change
the final color significantly. Most natural dyes are mordant
dyes and there is therefore a large literature base describing
dyeing techniques. The most important mordant dyes are the
synthetic mordant dyes (chrome dyes) used for wool, these
comprise some 30% of dyes used for wool and are especially
useful for black and navy shades. The mordant used is
potassium dichromate applied as an after-treatment.
4) Vat dye: These dyes are essentially insoluble in water
and incapable of dyeing fibres directly. However, reduction in
alkaline liquor produces the water soluble alkali metal salt of
the dye. In this leuco form these dyes have an affinity for the
textile fibre. Subsequent oxidation reforms the original
insoluble dye.
5) Reactive dye: First appeared commercially in 1956,
after their invention in 1954 by Rattee and Stephens at the ICI
Dyestuffs Division site in Blackley, Manchester, UK. They are
used to dye cellulosic fibres. The dyes contain a reactive
group, either a haloheterocycle or an activated double bond,
that, when applied to a fibre in a weakly alkaline dye bath,
forms a chemical bond with a hydroxyl group on the cellulosic
fibre.
6) Disperse dye: Originally developed for the dyeing of
cellulose acetate. They are substantially water insoluble. The
dyes are finely ground in the presence of a dispersing agent
then sold as a paste or spray dried and sold as a powder. They
can also be used to dye nylon, triacetate, polyester and acrylic
fibres. In some cases a dyeing temperature of 130 degree
Celcious is required and a pressurized dye bath is used. The
very fine particle size gives a large surface area that aids
dissolution to allow uptake by the fibre. The dyeing rate can
be significantly influenced by the choice of dispersing agent
used during the grinding.
7) Azoic dye: A dyeing technique in which an insoluble
azo dye is produced directly onto or within the fibre. This is
achieved by treating a fibre with a diazo component and a
coupling component. With suitable adjustment of dye bath
conditions the two components react to produce the required
insoluble azo dye. This technique of dyeing is unique in that
the final color is controlled by the choice of the diazo and
coupling components [3].
 Proceedings of the “Green Technology and Environmental Conservation”(GTEC2011) Organized by Sathyabama University in association with
International Solid Waste Association (ISWA),Vienna, National Solid Waste Association of India (NSWAI), Mumbai, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control
Board (TNPCB),Chennai,15-17 December,2011.
So dyes are mainly organic and inorganic chemical
substances. And if these substances spread out in the
environment, they may cause huge adverse impact on the
environment.
B. Study Area
Our study was conducted at Unique washing and dyeing
industry Ltd. which is Located in Kalemesher, K.B. Bazar,
Gazipur, Bangladesh. The reasons for selecting this industry
for our study are:
 Centrally located,
 Personal industrial building,
 In-house laboratory for all types of fabric testing,
 Fully equipped separate chemical mixing room,
 Authentic waste water treatment plant,
 Established in 1999 & fulfilled every condition of
DOE.
C. Operational Activities Of Unique Washing And Dyeing
Industry Limited
The chemicals used in dyeing of Unique washing and
dyeing industry Ltd. have certificates from OCTEX to ensure
that the compositions of chemical substances are satisfactory.
They believe in excellence in providing quality wash, timely
shipments and affordable prices to their customers with
preserving the surrounding environment. They are fully
compliant with local laws as they follow ECA 1995 properly.
The waste water produced from dyeing activities is discharged
through well drainage system in natural canal and Turag River
after treatment in ETP (effluent treatment plant). Due to their
environmental precautions they have a good relationship with
buyers.
III. HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS DUE TO
TEXTILE DYEING INDUSTRIES
The first step in prevention of poisoning in the dye
industry includes well ventilated, properly equipped buildings.
Selection of workmen is important and the use of the best
methods in manufacturing. The hazards of the dye industry are
those connected with any industry plus the poisonous
chemicals necessarily handled in the production of dye stuffs.
The first hazard we meet in the dye industry is from strong
adds, such as nitric and sulphuric or a mixture of these two
known as mixed acid. These are used to nitrate the benzene,
toluene etc. Their destructiveness to the human tissues is well
known and every precaution is taken to prevent these acids
from getting on the skin of the workmen. When acid does get
on the workman, he quickly knows it by the pain it causes, and
he immediately drowns it with water and seeks a soothing
dressing for his burn. Nitrous fumes may also be considered
under this hazard and are the reddish brown fumes, nitric
peroxide, together with some finely atomized acid. Exposure
to these fumes must be considered in the nature of an accident
and occurs as the result of a nitrator fire or a large spill. Their
238
effects are those of an irritant to the mucous membrane of the
respiratory tract and they may cause anything from slight
bronchial irritation to a fatal pulmonary edema [4].
The textiles sector contains many hazards and risks to
workers, ranging from exposure to noise and dangerous
substances, to manual handling and working with dangerous
machinery. Each processing stage from the production of
materials to the manufacturing, finishing, coloring and
packaging poses risks for workers, and some of these are
particularly dangerous for women‟s health. This short
document cannot cover all the hazards and risks in all the parts
of the textiles sector, but highlights some of the key issues,
particularly to women workers, and how worker safety and
health can be managed.
A. Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common
work-related health problem in Europe, with almost one in
four workers reporting backache and one in five complaining
of muscular pains. Manual handling, the lifting, holding,
putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or movement of a
load, is the largest cause of injury in the textiles sector.
B. Exposure To Chemical Agents
Many different groups of chemical substances are used in
the textiles sector, including dyes, solvents, optical
brighteners, crease-resistance agents, flame retardants, heavy
metals, pesticides, and antimicrobic agents. They are used in
dyeing, printing, finishing, bleaching, washing, dry cleaning,
weaving slashing/sizing, and spinning. Respiratory and skin
sensitisers can be found in the textiles industry, for example
textiles fibres, reactive dyes, synthetic fibres, and
formaldehyde. The textile industry has been evaluated as a
sector with an increased carcinogenic risk. Several studies
have showed an increased risk of nasal, laryngeal and bladder
cancer in women
C. Exposure To Dusts And Fibres
The exposure of workers to dusts from material such as
silk, cotton, wool, flax, hemp, sisal, and jute can occur during
weaving, spinning, cutting, ginning, and packaging. Division
of tasks along gender lines may mean that women are exposed
to organic dusts more than men, with respiratory diseases
being diagnosed more often in women than men. Exposure to
fibres and yarns may cause nasal or bladder cancer.
D. Exposure To Biological Agents
In some activities, such as carding and willowing, workers
may be exposed to biological agents such as anthrax,
clostridium tetani (the causative agent for tetanus), and
coxiella burnetti (which causes Q fever). Exposure to
biological agents can result in allergies and respiratory
disorders.
 Proceedings of the “Green Technology and Environmental Conservation”(GTEC2011) Organized by Sathyabama University in association with
International Solid Waste Association (ISWA),Vienna, National Solid Waste Association of India (NSWAI), Mumbai, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control
Board (TNPCB),Chennai,15-17 December,2011.

E. Exposure to Physical Agents Unique has authentic waste water treatment plant which is
Workers may be exposed to noise and vibrations, for designed by Techno economic service (from India). Their
example during weaving, spinning, sewing, twisting, and waste water from dyeing and washing section is refined to
cutting. Exposure to loud noise can result in permanent dispose in Turag River. The sludge produced from ETP is
hearing damage such as noise-induced hearing loss and disposed in city corporation waste disposal center. Moreover
tinnitus. Exposure to vibration, particularly together with risk the lime, alum from sludge is used as chemical fertilizer in
factors for MSDs, can lead to long-term harm. local farm. The effluent flow chart layout collected from
Electromagnetic fields may also be found in some workplaces Unique is given in the Fig. 3.
in the textiles sector [5].
IV. FUNCTION OF ETP USED IN DYEING INDUSTRIES
All the dyeing industries should have the authentic waste
water treatment plant but unfortunately there are many dyeing
industries in Bangladesh which are running without any ETP.
Only a few of them have ETP like Unique dyeing industry. A
major environmental hazard present in textile industries is the
discharge of untreated effluent to the environment, causing
pollution of nearby soil and water. To mitigate the risks from
the discharge of untreated water, an effluent treatment plant is
required. Effluent must meet the national effluent discharge
quality standards. As water passes through the ETP, pollutants
are removed and the quality of the water is improved, allowing
for final discharge to the environment without significant risk.
The EMP should contain the Process Flow Diagram, Layout
Plan including the location for the Effluent Disposal System,
and the plan and design of the Effluent Treatment Plant with
full information about its effectiveness. The EMP should also
include a post-project monitoring program.
Textiles are dyed using reactive, dispersed, indanthrene or
other kinds of dyes. These dyes use various types of
chemicals. The concentrations of chemical substances in the
effluent from this process always vary because of compound
chemical reactions taking place and the effluent is colored. In
the printing process high color impurities are generated. This
is the last step of wet processing. The inducted coloring
process uses various dyes depending on the buyer‟s wishes,
including:
For cotton: Reactive dye, direct dye, vat dye (Maximum
efficiency 55%-65%);
Basic dye, Acid dye;
Sulpher dye (more useful for black shed), azoic dye,
pigments; and
Fig. 2 Process flow diagram of textile dyeing industry (color)
For polyester: Dispersed dye (Efficiency 95%).
The process flow diagram for garment dyeing (color) is shown
in Fig. 2 [6].

239
 Proceedings of the “Green Technology and Environmental Conservation”(GTEC2011) Organized by Sathyabama University in association with
International Solid Waste Association (ISWA),Vienna, National Solid Waste Association of India (NSWAI), Mumbai, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control
Board (TNPCB),Chennai,15-17 December,2011.

Fig. 3 Effluent flow chart layout of Unique washing and dyeing industry Ltd.

V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Digital pH meter was used for the determination of pH of
the samples. Two buffer solutions containing pH 4.0 and 7.0
A. Evaluation of Impacts on Physico-Chemical Environment were used to calibrate the digital pH meter. The most accurate
The major problem associated with the dyeing industries is way to determine water‟s turbidity is with an electronic
the disposal of liquid waste. To obtain laboratory data, effluent turbidimeter. The turbidimeter has a light source and a
water sample was collected by use of a water can from the photoelectric cell that accurately measures the light scattered
outlet drain of Unique washing and dyeing industry Ltd. All by suspended particles in a water sample. The concentrations
possible efforts were made to minimize the time lag between of dissolved species were determined by DR-4000
collection and analysis so that no significant change may spectrophotometer. DO was measured by Winklers method
occur in the quality of the samples. The concentrations of and BOD5 was measured by incubation in the dark at 200C for
various physicochemical properties of effluent of the study 5 days. Total dissolved solid was dried to a constant weight at
area were determined through extensive laboratory analysis 1050C. In summary, testing for dissolved solid involves
and are shown in Table I. weighing a clean beaker to the nearest mg. Fill the beaker with
test water and evaporate off the water. Weigh the beaker again
TABLE I. EFFLUENT‟ S PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF UNIQUE with the resulting residue. Then subtract the two results to
WASHING AND DYEING INDUSTRY determine the amount of milligrams of residue per liter of
Water Unit Concentration DOE Standards (for Inland water.
Quality Surface Water) [7]
pH - 7.35 6-9 The levels of pollution of the effluents were determined by
Turbidity NTU 0.23 - comparing the observed values of the various parameters with
Color Pt-CO 11 - the inland surface water standard value recommended by
TSS Mg/l 11 150 DOE. Our sample source was the treated effluent water and
BOD5 Mg/l 1.2 50 the test results were found within the standard limits of DOE.
COD Mg/l 4 200
Copper Mg/l 0.041 -
Though the water test report shows no vulnerable impacts of
Cadmium Mg/l <MDL
a 0.5 water quality for Unique washing and dyeing industry Ltd.
Cyanid Mg/l 0.008 0.1 because of using their ETP properly, but the overall
Mercury Mg/l 0.002 0.01 descriptive statistics of the physicochemical parameters like
Nickle Mg/l <MDL 1 temperature, pH, EC of the effluent samples collected from
Zinc Mg/l 0.037 5 D.N.D Embankment, Narayanganj shows deviation from DOE
Lead Mg/l <MDL 0.1 standard because most of the dyeing industries in Narayanganj
Arsenic Mg/l <MDL 0.2
a. MDL – Minimum Detection Limit
do not have ETP and they are not willing to use ETP because
of higher cost. The concentration ranges of the

240
 Proceedings of the “Green Technology and Environmental Conservation”(GTEC2011) Organized by Sathyabama University in association with
International Solid Waste Association (ISWA),Vienna, National Solid Waste Association of India (NSWAI), Mumbai, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control
Board (TNPCB),Chennai,15-17 December,2011.
physicochemical properties of the effluents of the study area
are shown in Table II [2].
Table II. Physicochemical parameters of the effluent samples in D.N.D
Embankment, Narayanganj
Parameter Concentration DOE Standards (for Inland
Surface Water) [7]
o
Temperature ( C) 50.22 40
TSS (mg/L) 1123.11 150
TDS (mg/L) 9123.78 2,100
Turbidity (FTU) 130.37 10
DO (mg/L) 2.36 4.5 – 8
pH 9.88 6–9
EC (μs/cm) 14109.56 1200
BOD (mg/L) 573.89 50
COD (mg/L) 1223.33 200
Highly colored liquid effluents with pungent odor were
observed in the effluents of the studied industrial area of
D.N.D Embankment, Narayanganj. The average temperature
of the effluent was found about 50OC which is slightly higher
than DOE standard. The pH of the effluents was varied from
7.59 to 11.91. The pH variation is primarily caused by
different kinds of dye stuff used in the dyeing process in
different industries. The average pH value was found 9.88
which is higher than the DOE standard. In textile dyeing
industries H2O2 and NaOH are used as bleaching and kier
agents. Higher pH approaches in effluents owing to the wastes
composition of textile mills such as: NaOCl, NaOH, Na2SiO3,
surfactants, sodium phosphate. Water pH influences the other
properties of water body, activity of organisms, and potency of
toxic substances present in the aquatic environment. Excessive
pH is harmful to aquatic life like fish and microorganism etc.
The electric conductivity (EC) is usually used for indicating
the total concentration of the ionized constituents of water.
The average values of electrical conductivity of the effluent is
14,109.56 μs/cm which indicates that a large amount of ionic
substances is released from textile industries like sodium,
chloride etc. in the area. The average concentration of EC was
found around 12 times higher than the DOE standard. Such a
high value of EC is not suitable for aquatic life and irrigation
purposes. The EC is an indirect measure of the ions or the
charge carrying species in the effluents under the
measurement conditions. Total suspended solids (TSS) denote
the suspended impurities present in the water. Measurement of
suspended particulate matter is important as they are
responsible for pollutant transport in the aquatic environment.
The average value of TSS of the effluent was found 1,123
mg/L which indicates that the effluent sample contains TSS
concentration of about 7 times higher than DOE standard.
TDS in water mainly consist of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate,
phosphate, alkalis, some acids, sulphates, metallic ions etc.
The average value of TDS of the effluent was found 9,123
mg/L. It is found that the effluent sample contains TDS
concentration 4 times higher than DOE standard. The turbidity
of the effluent was found 130 FTU which is caused by
suspended and colloidal matter such as clay, silt, finely
241
divided organic and inorganic matter, and plankton and other
microscopic organisms. The DO of the effluent with value
2.36 mg/L indicates 2 times lower DO than DOE standard.
Textile industries releases a lot of biochemical oxygen
demanding wastes. The BOD value of the effluent was found
573.89 mg/L which exhibited 16 times higher BOD value than
the standard. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is defined as
the amount of a specified oxidant that reacts with the sample
under controlled conditions which is one of the most important
parameter for assessing the quantity of chemically oxidizing
matter in water. Textile industries release a lot of chemical
oxygen demanding wastes. The average value of COD was
found 815 mg/L, which is around 7 times higher than the DOE
standard.
B. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
The United Nations environment programme defined EIA
as a method “To identify, predict and to describe in
appropriate terms the pros and cons of a proposed
development. To be useful, the assessment needs to be
communicated in terms understandable by the community and
decision makers and the pros and cons should be identified on
the basis of criteria relevant to the countries affected. There
are two main objectives of EIA:
Have two major themes in common that EIA is a planning
tool and is concerned with identifying, predicting and
assesing.
Safeguard the environment and for that mater the major
aim of EIA is to improve decisions on development by
increasing the quality and scope of information on likely
impacts presented to the decision makers and the public.
1) Methodology for EIA: Considering the situation
prevailing in the country, a simple methodology was taken for
Environmental Impact Assessment of textile dyeing. The
methodology used for EIA due to „Textile dyeing industries‟ is
Environmental evaluation system (EES). Relative importance
of the parameters is selected based on „LGED guideline,
1992‟. The environmental parameters are grouped into 4
categories which are: Physical resources, Ecological
resources, Human use values and Quality of life values. The
environmental impact was assessed by Environmental Impact
Values (EIVs) which may be defined mathematically as
equation (1):
(1)
Where Vi is the relative change in the value of
environmental quality of parameter i with respect to existing
situation. Wi is the relative importance or weight of parameter
i, and n is the total number of environmental parameter related
to the project. The computation of Environmental Impact
Value (EIV) of textile dyeing needs determination of Vi, the
 Proceedings of the “Green Technology and Environmental Conservation”(GTEC2011) Organized by Sathyabama University in association with
International Solid Waste Association (ISWA),Vienna, National Solid Waste Association of India (NSWAI), Mumbai, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control
Board (TNPCB),Chennai,15-17 December,2011.

value representing the magnitude of alteration of the the adverse impact and increase the beneficial impact. To do
environmental parameters, and Wi, the value representing so the following steps should be taken:
relative weight or importance of the respective parameters. 1. The most adverse effect of textile dyeing is the decrease
of surface water quality. All types of effluent should be
2) Magnitude of Environmental Parameters: The treated before discharging as well as ETP should be
beneficial and adverse changes in environmental parameters installed and used by every dyeing industry.
resulting from textile dyeing, usually expressed in qualitative 2. To save the aquatic biology the project should be
terms are plotted in a scale to quantify the environmental designed to protect existing fisheries and increased flood
alterations in Table III . Since the changes of environmental plain.
parameters are measured with respect to background
conditions, no change has 0 values. The adverse changes have TABLE III. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) OF UNIQUE
WASHING AND DYEING INDUSTRY LTD.
been given values -1, -2, -3, -4 and -5 to represent very low,
low, moderate, high and severe negative impacts respectively. Parameter Relative Degree Relative Impact
Similarly +1, +2, +3, +4 and +5 represent very low, low, Importa of EIV
nce Impact Positiv Negati
moderate, high and very high positive impacts respectively. A Value e ve
value from the scale representing effect of the project on each 1. Physical -98.97
parameter was taken to compute the EIV of the textile dyeing Resources
industry. Surface water 10 -2.2 -22
quality
3) Relative Importance of Environmental Parameters: All Ground water 10 -2.2 -22
quality
environmental parameters influenced by the textile dyeing are Hydrology 10 -1.533 -15.33
not of equal importance or weight. The importance of a Sound pollution 6 -1.67 -10.02
parameter varies from country to country depending on the Air meteorology 5 -0.93 -4.65
environmental concerns of the country. In Bangladesh, surface Air quality 5 -0.93 -4.65
Soil erosion 5 -1.733 -8.665
and ground water quality, aquatic biology, socio-economic
Fertility 5 -2.33 -11.65
condition, agriculture, fisheries, etc. carry more importance 2. Ecological -27.65
than many others. The parameters related to Textile dyeing Resources
industries were given different values based on prevailing Fisheries 3 -2 -6
Aquatic biology 5 -1.33 -6.65
environmental concerns in Bangladesh and are presented in
Nuisance plant 5 -1.267 -6.335
Table III. The values representing importance or weight of the Terrestrial flora 5 -1.733 -8.665
parameters. They are used to compute the relative impacts of and fauna
the parameters which are then summed up to obtain the total 3. Human Use +72.21
Values
EIV of Unique washing and dyeing industry Limited. Water supply 6 +1.733 +10.4
At first the values indicating magnitude of environmental Drainage 5 +1.867 +9.335
Sewerage and 5 +2 +10
changes influenced by the textile dyeing were placed in the waste disposal
appropriate columns in Table III and then multiplied them to Sanitation 5 +3.67 +18.35
obtain positive and negative impact of the parameters. Finally Drinking water 8 +3.267 +26.14
quality
all these impacts were summed up to obtain the total EIV of
Agricultural 3 -0.67 -2.01
+26.81 for Unique washing and dyeing industry Limited. development
Though the water test report shows the water quality Aquaculture 3 -0.8 -2.4
parameters are within standard limits for this particular Irrigation 2 -0.4 -0.8
Reforestation 3 +0.267 +0.801
industry, but the overall EIA report shows the highest negative
4. Quality of +81.22
impact on physico-ecological environment. But the human Life Values
interest related factors made the total EIV positive. Socio economy 10 +4.933 +49.33
Resettlement 3 +0.933 +2.799
VI. MITIGATION MEASURES DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL Public safety 6 +2.67 +16.02
IMPACTS Public health 6 +2.467 +14.80
Agricultural land 5 -1.467 -7.335
Textile dyeing industry is playing an important role in the loss
national economy of our country. It upgrades the lifestyle of Nutrition 6 +0.6 +3.6
lower class people of our country. It minimizes the problem of Disposal of 5 +0.4 +2
unemployment to a great extent. So, despite of having some garbage
Total EIV +26.81
adverse impact of textile dyeing industry it cannot be stopped.
Rather we should find some mitigation measures to minimize

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 Proceedings of the “Green Technology and Environmental Conservation”(GTEC2011) Organized by Sathyabama University in association with
International Solid Waste Association (ISWA),Vienna, National Solid Waste Association of India (NSWAI), Mumbai, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control
Board (TNPCB),Chennai,15-17 December,2011.
3. Due to high positive impact on socio-economic value, it
brings happiness in life of workers, remove poverty and
fulfill basic needs which are prime cause of
unconsciousness of environmental degradation due to
textile dyeing.
4. Better construction and maintenance is needed for
sewerage and waste disposal.
5. Air quality index should be mandatory for every industry
like Unique is applied for air emission protection.
6. Every Textile dyeing industry should apply for air
emission test to predict climate change.
7. To ensure the public safety the regular checkup of the
laborers should be done. Moreover safety precautions like
helmet, eye protective glass, hand gloves, ear plug, and
air mask should be taken by laborers to avoid any
incident.
8. Skin test, blood test should be done for the workers on
regular basis.
9. Emergency Evacuation due to fire is very important for
dyeing industries as there are many chemicals which may
be flammable and explosive used in dying process.
10. For the welfare of all workers training should be given in
the correct use of fire extinguishers and fire hoses. These
should be easily available throughout the factory and
regularly checked by a qualified assessor.
11. To avoid any severe accident there should always be at
least one member of staff on each shift that is trained in
“First Aid” and who is made responsible for all first aid
requirements during their shift. At least one first aid box
should be made available in an area that is accessible to
all the workers.
12. There are various chemicals present in concentrated doses
in a textile dyeing laboratory and precaution has to be
taken to minimize the risks of exposure and accidents. All
chemicals, dyes and other auxiliaries that enter the
laboratory should be logged on arrival, clearly labeled as
to what they are and given expiry dates.
13. The working environment needs to be kept as dry as
possible to prevent accidents. Hazardous waste must be
disposed of properly in accordance with manufacturers‟
guidelines and national policies.
14. BOD and COD test should be done for effluent as well as
for drinking water.
15. DOE should monitor at least 6 months after in every year
to check the condition of ETP, effluent samples report and
the certificate of chemical composition issued by third
party to ensure that, they are using within permissible
limits.
16. Every textile industry should be buyers environmental
friendly certified, so that they can carry their business
with good reputation in abroad and earn more foreign
exchange for our country.
17. Any textile dyeing cannot be established without proper
ETP system and all license certificates by fulfilling every
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condition of DOE to ensure the environmental
preservation of surroundings. The relevant authority from
ministry of govt. should be strict in providing license and
honest officers should be appointed for monitoring the
textile dyeing industries.
18. Surface water pollution is a major issue due to effluent
discharge in textile dyeing industry. To try and control the
pollution problem, industries along with the government
can set up a common effluent treatment plant at a much
larger scale. These can be expected to help a large number
of industries treat their wastewater in a cost-effective
way.
After taking all environmental precautions, following
ECA, using ETP there is black water in nearby canal of
UNIQUE washing & dyeing industry Ltd. The authority
claimed that, the water discharged from other industries
flowed through this canal and as they don‟t have any ETP, so
the untreated waste water of these industries mixed with their
treated effluent and finally discharged in Turag river similar to
Shitalakkhya river in Narayanganj. So they claimed that they
are not responsible for this kind of pollution. Due to their
business policy they are not going to encourage other
industries to use ETP. But we recommend them to encourage
other industries to follow ECA and use appropriate ETP
without thinking about their own benefits for the better
preservation of environment to build a green world.
VII. CONCLUSION
In Bangladesh due to textile dyeing industries, the main
negative impact afflicting the local environment severely is
the hazards caused by dye effluents, which contain both
chemical and organic pollutants. These can be highly toxic.
This Research has found that the volume of such effluents
often exceeds acceptable standards. Though the volume of
effluents from individual small-scale dyers might be small, the
concentration of pollutants is generally high. The impact is
significant where several producers are located at one place
and discharge effluents into the same body of water. Large-
scale dyers on the other hand generate greater volumes of
effluent but show lower pollutant content per cubic meter of
water. The results of the study reveal that, the textile dyeing
industries in Gazipur and Narayanganj area discharge large
quantities of effluent composed of various physicochemical
pollutants at significant higher level than standard value of
DOE except some industries which have authentic waste water
treatment plant. From the above findings it can be easily said
that, the water of Turag and Shitalakkhya River is getting
highly polluted by the effluent discharged by the dyeing
industries of the study area. The concentration of these
pollutants is increasing in an alarming rate with the increasing
number of textile dyeing industries. So the above mitigation
measures can be effective to minimize the pollution to a
significant extent. Last of all, for the greater benefits of our
country, all people involved in textile dyeing should be
 Proceedings of the “Green Technology and Environmental Conservation”(GTEC2011) Organized by Sathyabama University in association with
International Solid Waste Association (ISWA),Vienna, National Solid Waste Association of India (NSWAI), Mumbai, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control
Board (TNPCB),Chennai,15-17 December,2011.

environmentally conscious to preserve our environment as

well as to carry the reputation of our readymade garments in
developed countries.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors would like to thank Engr. A.K.M. Nur-Ul-
Islam (Executive Director of Unique washing and dyeing
industry Ltd.), Md. Shahidul Islam (Manager of admin of
Unique washing and dyeing industry Ltd.), Md. Baki Billah
(Chief Boiler Inspector of Bangladesh) and Local people of
Gazipur and Narayanganj area for their supports.
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